On 15th January 2022, Virat Kohli shocked the entire nation by sharing a lengthy note on why he is stepping down as captain from the most extended format, following the team’s 2-1 series loss in South Africa.?
Kohli’s decision to step down ended his seven-year reign, a stint that made him everyone's favorite, following India's success in international cricket around the world.?
Even though ICC trophies may not have come India’s way, Kohli's captaincy and his team's zeal to win was never, ever questioned.?
Sharing details of Kohli's life's emotional roller coaster ride and how he stood the test of time holding his values, Anushka wrote how proud she has been of her husband.?
Read her full note here:?
"I remember the day in 2014 when you told me that you have been made the captain as MS had decided to retire from test cricket.
I remember MS, you, and I having a chat later that day and him joking about how quickly your beard will start turning grey. We all had a good laugh about it. Since that day, I’ve seen more than just your beard turning grey. I’ve seen growth. Immense growth. Around you and within you. And yes, I am very proud of your growth as the captain of the Indian National Cricket team and what achievements the team had under your leadership. But I’m more proud of the growth you achieved within you.
In 2014 we were so young and naive. Thinking that just good intentions, positive drive, and motives can take you ahead in life. They definitely do but, not without challenges. A lot of these challenges that you faced were not always on the field. But then, this is life right? It tests you in places where you least expect it to but where you need it the most. And my love, I am so proud of you for not letting anything come in the way of your good intentions.
You led by example and gave winning on-field every ounce of your energy to the extent that after some losses I’ve sat next to you with tears in your eyes, while you wondered if there’s still something more you could have done. This is who you are and this is what you expected from everyone.
You’ve been unconventional and straightforward. Pretense is your foe and this is what makes you great in my eyes and the eyes of your admirers. Because underneath all this were your pure, unadulterated intentions always. And not everyone will be able to truly understand that.
Like I’ve said, truly blessed are those who tried to get to know you beneath what meets the eye. You are not perfect and have your flaws but then again when did you ever try to conceal that? What you did was to always stand up for doing the right thing, the harder thing, always! You held on to nothing with greed, not even this position and I know that. Because when one holds on to something so tightly they limit themselves and you, my love, are limitless.
Our daughter will see the learning of these 7 years in the father that you are to her.
You did good."
Bollywood celebs reacted to Kohli's decision, and celebrities including Ranveer Singh, Suniel Shetty, Arjun Rampal were among the first ones to write messages for him, reminding him that he's a ‘king who would always be king.’
(To get the latest updates from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.)?